Not everyone is happy with the idea of Wollongong City Council using ratepayers’ money to help keep the Gong Shuttle free.
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Both Liberal and Labor councillors have floated plans to consider an input of council funds, but comments left on the Mercury’s Facebook page show there are those opposed to this move.
“When you look at the whole bus thing it only has a benefit for a few people mainly the uni people,” wrote David Perram.
“I say $350,000's better spent elsewhere.”
Lynn Alison didn’t want her rates going to the Gong Shuttle, instead saying it should be “user pays”.
Suzanne Rowles felt the southern suburbs were missing out.
“Mmm, does that mean a free shuttle bus going south, just to be fair for ALL rate payers of Wollongong?,” she asked.
“That doubles [the] cost $700,000.00 a year. As a rate payer - I don’t think so.”
Racael Cameron claimed half the passengers were University of Wollongong students, who didn’t pay council rates.
“I don’t use the service and I am sure I never will,” Ms Cameron said.
“Don’t see why my council fees should be going to pay for a service that is only used by a small minority.”
Several people also felt public transport should be funded by the state government and that council should stay out.
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
